George Russell will remain a Mercedes driver until 2025 after signing a new contract with the team on the eve of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.
Russell, who became a Formula 1 race winner after taking victory in the 2022 Sao Paulo GP, was announced at the same time as team leader Lewis Hamilton re-signed for the team until 2025.
“I have grown up with this team ever since joining the Junior programme in 2017,” Russell said in a Mercedes press release. “It feels fantastic to extend our special relationship through 2025.
“After stepping up to the Mercedes race seat last year, I wanted to reward the trust and belief that Toto and the rest of the team placed in me.
“Taking my first pole position and race win last year was an unforgettable feeling. It’s been great to work with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth to make progress with our car and push forward.
“I’m excited to help continue to build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 as we continue to focus on returning to the front of the pack.”
Strongest pairing on F1 grid
Russell’s contract extension means he joins Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in extending their contracts until well past 2024.
It also continues a trend of Mercedes continuing with their driver line-ups for three to four years, with the team’s longest-serving pairing being Hamilton and Finn Valtteri Bottas, who were teammates from 2017 to 2021.
“Continuing with our current driver line-up was a straightforward decision,” said Wolff. “We have the strongest pairing on the grid, and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward.
“George is a leading light of his generation. He has repaid the faith we showed in him when we promoted him to a race seat in 2022.
“His maiden pole position in Hungary and first Grand Prix victory in São Paulo were standout moments last season. As a driver, he combines razor-sharp speed with the tenacity of a true fighter.
“But he brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit for the team, and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years.”
